What is your digital estate?

Think of digital estate as the digital version of your physical estate – it encompasses all the data, systems, applications, configurations and digital intellectual property that you or your business owns.

Ensuring the security of your digital estate is more critical than ever given the dependence we place on technology in our day to day lives. Proper labelling, access control, and the use of tools like Microsoft Copilot can make a significant difference. Here’s how to secure your digital environment effectively.

Why labelling and access control matter

Labelling and access control are foundational to digital security. Without them, sensitive information can be mismanaged or accessed by unauthorised users. Proper labelling helps categorise and protect data, while access control ensures that only the right people have access to it. Much like losing paperwork in the attic, data can easily be misplaced or lost if not labelled correctly.

Steps to implement effective labelling

1. Classify your data: Start by categorising your data based on sensitivity. This can include categories like confidential, internal, and public. This can be a simple as moving into different folders.
2. Use consistent labels: Implement a consistent labelling system across all digital assets. This makes it easier to manage and protect your data, and to ensure you don’t lose track of your critical data.
3. Educate your team: Make sure everyone understands the importance of data labelling and follows the established guidelines.

Strengthening access control

1. Role-based access: Assign access rights based on roles within the organisation. This ensures that employees only have access to the information they need for their job.
2. Regular audits: Conduct regular audits of access rights to ensure compliance and detect any unauthorised access.
3. Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Implement MFA to add an extra layer of security to your access control system to make sure compromised passwords don’t result in disclosure of sensitive information.

Leveraging Microsoft Copilot for better security

Microsoft Copilot, integrated with Microsoft 365, can significantly enhance your security practices. Here’s how:

• Automated task management: Copilot helps automate routine tasks, reducing the risk of human error in security procedures.
• Data insights: Copilot provides insights into data usage and access patterns, helping you identify potential security risks.
• Enhanced collaboration: With secure collaboration features, Copilot ensures that team members can work together efficiently without compromising security.

Start securing your digital estate today

Securing your digital estate requires a proactive approach. By implementing proper labelling, strengthening access control, and leveraging tools like Microsoft Copilot, you can protect your organisation’s data effectively. Don’t wait for a security incident to take action.

Remember, a secure digital estate is the backbone of a successful organisation. Take these steps today to ensure your data is protected and your operations are secure.